Impressions of the gift show? is that kids rule. There is so much baby, kid, and family stuff out there. It's pretty remarkable. I wonder what it used to be like at the gift show, before the kid was king. Lots of scented candles, wind chimes, and jams and jellies?
We have ALWAYS HAD a "baby section" in rock paper scissors. From day 1. We had kata golda and kate spade baby books. It took 5 years and Amy having a baby of her own before people started to notice the cute baby things in the store. They think that it appeared over the time span of 9 months, magically brought by a stork. Well, those presumptions are only going to continue, because there is a bevy of kid fabulousness, baby adorableness, coming our way. It could be that sending a new mom and an expecting one to do the buying would result in this, but I think it's a combination. It is everywhere! fabulous design for families, and yes we are weak in the knees for it all, but you can't ignore it either.
We can't be the fabulous baby boutique that is petit bebe or toy store, but if it is paper AND for a little one...how could we not? and as long as it is an example of good design, we will find a spot on the shelf for it.
We love the flash cards from wee gallery, made by parents who wanted the stimulating black and white images for their new baby, but were correct in thinking that their designs might be a little more fun. they debuted a new collection of peel and stick wall graphics at the gift show that are just right for spring. Look for it on our wall as we wish for our gardens to grow again.
The soft animals and poofs from zid zid are not made of paper...but they are handmade, incredibly original and fun design, and ecologically and socially friendly. Their booth is reason enough for me to go to the gift show. They are amazingly good natured and it is so fun to see all their adorable things in one place. Of course I was happy to demonstrate the elephant poof that we couldn't resist.When that guy gets here, I think we won't be able to get anyone under age 8 out of the store.
To accomodate those children who would love to stay and play, we will have a cardboard playhouse made in Holland from recycled cardboard. It comes flat and pops up instantly, so if you just have to leave the store, you can take home your very own. Sure you can make these yourself, and you should, because everyone needs a house made from a refrigerator, stove, or washing machine box. But if you're between appliances, this house will fit the bill. Worried about the floor space you might be losing...we'll have the doll house version too.
Not made of paper, BUT it holds paper, backpacks for the short set. They are absolutely perfect, just what a backpack should be. Except that these have the cutest animals ever on them. It's impossible to pick a favorite, so check out the bunny's paws or the sharks expression on Dante Beatrix's website
Other favorites from the gift show are for furry babies: accessories for the modern pooch from mungo and maud available soon at Scarpa, of course Hable construction was so fun too. They had these lovely low couches covered in green poppy print fabric. And not about kids at all, but about our kids' future maybe...the Green Paper Company which sells cards and envelopes in bulk and by the piece, but it is RECYCLED more to come on that topic..it's too exciting.
